A new study conducted by Bartel Associates and commissioned by the League of California Cities predicts pension costs to nearly double over the next decade for the state’s 482 cities. By 2024-25, the researchers predict pension costs will eat up 15.8 percent of general fund budgets.

While state and county agencies will also share in the financial burden wrought by unsustainable pension costs, the study says cities will be the hardest hit. They’re also limited in their options to respond due to constitutional limitations on their revenue raising powers.

The report did lay out some recommendations, including developing plans to pay down Unfunded Actuarial Liability (UAL); local ballot measures aimed at raising revenue; changes to public services; and encouraging increased employee pension contributions.

Time is of the essence.

“The results of this study provide additional evidence that pension costs for cities are approaching unsustainable levels,” the report warns, noting that “many cities face difficult choices that will be compounded in the next recession.”

Read the entire study here and further discussion by Dan Walters at CalMatters.

Not Just for the Cows: Grazing workshop highlights contributions of livestock to habitat functionality

Share with: For some public properties, livestock grazing can be an important land management tool to help maintain specific habitat conditions, control invasive weeds and reduce fire hazards. In areas invaded by non-native vegetative species, it is necessary to control vegetation height and density in order to keep habitats functioning for certain sensitive species. For instance, the burrowing owl requires low vegetation cover in order to forage for prey effectively and prevent predators from approaching unseen. Other species that have been known to benefit from managed livestock grazing include California tiger salamander, Yosemite toad and certain sensitive butterfly species. Controlling the...